Eyelid Lift Surgery

Otherwise known as a Blepharoplasty, an eyelid tuck is performed in an aesthetic way to not only remove extra skin but to sculpt a more aesthetic and refreshed appearing eyelid. While people often look to the eyes to gauge emotion, it is the surrounding skin, rather than the eyes themselves, that convey emotion.

The tissue, muscle, fat, skin and lashes all contribute to the wide array of expressions. Age, sun exposure and hereditary factors all contribute to wrinkles, deep lines and puffiness around the eyes. The loose and baggy tissue that often surrounds the aging eyelid creates a saggy appearance that leaves us looking and feeling old and tired. Many blepharoplasty procedures that are performed elsewhere only involve removal of the extra skin of the eyelid, but by treating the muscle, skin and fat Dr. Green is able to create a rejuvenated appearance leaving you not only looking refreshed but also feeling more youthful.

The blepharoplasty Procedure

Upper Eyelid Surgery

Blepharoplasty surgery is performed in the office typically under IV sedation. For patients either not healthy enough for IV Sedation or not wanting to be sedated the procedure can be performed under local anesthesia. The recovery period usually lasts about one week and usually is accompanied with minimal discomfort. During that one week the patient must refrain from heavy lifting or aggressive exercise. Swelling and bruising may occur for several days after the procedure but following a long weekend our patients are usually back out and about town and perhaps wearing sunglasses.

Dr. Green has chosen to leave the older techniques of traditional scalpels behind and instead relies upon lasers and radiowave surgery to make his eyelid incisions. This technique results in minimal bleeding and less tissue damage giving you a faster less painful recovery. Why settle for anything less than the most current techniques in eyelid surgery?

The upper eyelid is treated with excision of skin, muscle and fat, and is often combined with a brow lift when the patient wishes to totally rejuvenate the upper face.

Lower Lid Blepharoplasty

Traditionally the lower eyelid was treated with a similar skin and muscle excision but unlike the upper eyelid this can result in a condition called ectropion or a pulling out of the lower eyelid. Also the “whites of the eyes” can be exposed leaving an unsightly appearance.

Dr. Green chooses to perform most lower eyelids without an incision on the eyelid skin. Instead he uses what is called a trans conjunctival approach which relies on an incision on the inside of the lower eyelid. Fat is then remove through this incision and laser resurfacing techniques are used to tighten the lid skin. By utilizing the amazing technology of laser surgery Dr. Green can reliably tighten the lower eyelid skin without a skin incision at all.

This results in not only a reduction of volume but tighter and more youthful lower eyelid skin again without an incision in the skin at all. Patients can expect redness for one week followed by a transition to pink skin during which makeup can be worn. For those not able to allow the healing time or when less skin laxity is present a chemical peel is a viable alternative resulting in a less dramatic result but a faster recovery. The following patient underwent upper blepharoplasty as well as lower lid transconjunctival blepharoplasty. In addition to eyelid surgery this patient had concerns about generalized aging of her skin and elected to undergo laser resurfacing of the face with an amazing result!

Brow lift and Eyelid Surgery done together

The position of the upper brow is very important when performing an upper eyelid blepharoplasty. If you talk to a surgeon about upper eyelid blepharoplasty and they never mention your brow position, strongly consider a second opinion. Once an aggressive upper eyelid blepharoplasty is performed it is often not possible to go back and perform a brow lift to move the upper brow to a more aesthetic position without leaving the eyes unable to close. Dr. Green frequently performs endoscopic mini brow lifts in conjunction with upper eyelid blepharoplasty, which often represents the most comprehensive approach to upper facial aging.

Eyelid Surgery Recovery

Plan for success and we will help get you there. Ultimately, try to find a time in your schedule when you can take a week of down time. Due to the laser and radiowave technology we employ here at The Aesthetic Face our patients often feel ready to get back at it a day or two after surgery. Doing too much to soon can lead to problems so we always strongly emphasize this need for recovery of 3-5 days minimum. Please let us know prior to surgery if you have any existing eye or vision conditions or if you are taking any of the mediations listed on our tips for success preoperative instructions form and plan to discontinue their use 2 weeks before surgery.

Eyelid Before and After

Dr. Green speaks, lectures, and teaches and is constantly taking high quality photographs of our patients for these purposes. While Dr. Green take’s great pride in the product of his work the majority of Dr. Green‘s photo galleries are maintained in the office and are available to all our potential patients for review.

Blepharoplasty Cost: Is blepharoplasty Covered by Insurance??

The Aesthetic Face does not participate with insurance plans. The eyelid surgery that Dr. Green performs is purely cosmetic. Significant attention is given to appropriate treatment of the skin, muscle and fat to create an aesthetic outcome the patient will be pleased with. When an eyelid procedure is “Covered” by insurance realize this may just be removal of your extra skin to improve your vision with minimal attention given to meeting your cosmetic desires.

Newport News VA Facial Plastic Surgeon

Newport News Facial Plastic Surgeon, Dr. J Marshall Green III, is dedicated to providing you with a pleasant visit and results that you're proud to show off. Call with any questions or to make an appointment.